Bok Choy Kimchi Recipe

UPDATE October 2011: I no longer use the Brine method described in this recipe. Instead, I prefer the “Rub in by Hand” method, which I outline in the post Kimchi 101.

Ingredients

• 1 – 1.5 tablespoons of Redmond Sea Salt
• 4 cups of spring or filtered water
• 1 pound bok choy
• 2-3 carrots (optional, adds sweetness)
• 1 large onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons of dried red chili flakes
• 2-4 tablespoons of fresh chopped ginger

Instructions

1. Mix salt and spring water until most of the salt is dissolved. (the brine)
2. Chop the bok choy into large bite-size pieces.
3. Slice carrots too.
4. Submerge bok choy and carrots into brine for 3-5 hours. Use a plate and weight to weigh the veggies down. They must remain underwater. It is OK to add carrots later, this step is mostly for the bok choy.
5. Chop up onion and garlic. Grate ginger.
6. Drain the brine. Doesn’t need to be perfectly dry. Save a little bit in case you need to top off the jar.
7. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes into the bok choy/carrot bowl. Mix well.
8. Stuff mix into a glass jar. Pack tight. Get your hand in there and push down. Pack it tight!
9. Cover with cheesecloth or paper towel.
10. Once a day for a week, push down on the kimchi. Force the air bubbles up and out.
11. After 5-7 days, cover and move to refrigerator.